Screwdriver Shanks

Crafting your own tools is rewarding, not just because you get to exercise your creativity, but also because it allows you to customize handles to suit your grip. These are the same quality of shank used in our lifetime screwdrivers (24K05.20+), and are available in slot, Phillips and square-recess styles. All have chromed-steel shafts and hardened tips.

You can turn a handle on a lathe, make a simple octagonal handle, or shape one freehand using rasps or a spokeshave. Shanks friction-fit into holes bored in the handle. Projections prevent the shank from rotating when torque is applied. High-speed steel brad point drill bits for boring and brass ferrules to reinforce against splitting are available separately.

Shank length, shaft diameter, and ferrule size are listed in the chart below. A satisfying project within the skills of most.